P02.03
Background: Effective community engagement is the cornerstone of cultivating ownership, trust and acceptance of research within communities. Researchers at the six sites of the HIV Prevention Research Unit (HPRU) in Durban interact with a diverse range of urban and semi-rural communities where trials are conducted. We describe the outcomes of the seven steps in community engagement while conducting microbicide and other HIV prevention trials at HPRU.
Methods: Using a 7 step cyclical process, community engagement began a decade ago at the research sites. The process involved:
(1) conducting a situational analysis at entry;
(2) education and outreach;
(3) networking and partnerships with stakeholders;
(4) selection of community advisory boards (CABs);
(5) input on protocol and study procedures;
(6) participant engagement and
(7) dissemination of study outcomes.
Results: Community partnerships with stakeholders and CABs have been sustained for over a decade. Ongoing engagement fostered trusting relationships and facilitated acceptance of trials by community and participants. Education from stakeholders on community culture and social dynamics helped researchers address community perceptions of HIV prevention and microbicides. CAB members observed the destruction of blood samples and this transparency enhanced their understanding of ethics in research and dispelled the myth that researchers sold blood. Trial participants volunteered to publicly share their experiences during the dissemination of trial results to stakeholders. They joined CABs and are currently advocates of HIV prevention research by promoting adherence and retention.
Conclusions: Stakeholders, CABs and trial participants assisted in developing trust between communities and researchers, who were transparent and engaged them throughout the research lifecycle. Education and information enabled stakeholders to make informed decisions and facilitated their understanding of trial results and acceptance of the conduct of trials in their communities.
